Woman Suspected of Bilking Former Relative of $160,000

PORT HUENEME — Police have arrested a woman on suspicion of defrauding her 73-year-old ex-father-in-law of more than $160,000 by convincing him that she was mounting a lawsuit on behalf of his imprisoned son.

Detectives arrested Elena Marion, 44, of Port Hueneme after learning of an alleged scam to defraud Jack Spruill of Santa Paula. Authorities said Marion had apparently convinced Spruill that she was raising money to launch a case against the state of California alleging that his son, her ex-husband, had been injured while incarcerated. The son, whose name was not released, is serving a murder sentence.

When the victim asked about progress of the suit, Marion claimed a gag order prevented her from discussing it, Sgt. Jerry Beck said in a statement.

Police said Spruill had given Marion his life savings over a year, and had sold his car and personal belongings to fund the imaginary lawsuit. He had also borrowed money from friends and co-workers.

After learning of the situation from the alleged victim, police arranged to record a meeting between Spruill and Marion at which she asked for more money. She was arrested after driving away with the cash, police said.

Marion was also found to be in possession of rock cocaine and drug paraphernalia, police said. Officials said she later confessed to detectives that she had bilked Spruill of thousands of dollars--money police believe she spent on drugs.

She was booked at the Port Hueneme City Jail on suspicion of grand theft, possession of narcotics for sale, a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.